Antonio Brown Wants LeVeon Bell at Practice

Veteran says ‘first rule of getting better is showing up’

There are many times during the year when Steelers receiver Antonio Brown doesn’t really have much to say. Often joking around and breaking into clichés or dropping a few “absolutelys” as responses to yes or no questions during his weekly media obligation. That was not the case with his thoughts on LeVeon Bell not being at organized team activities Wednesday afternoon.

“First rule of getting better is showing up,” Brown said. “You can’t make anything better without showing up. I think if he shows up and makes everyone understand where he wants to be. He wants to be here for not just this year, but for years to come. Come out here and show up. Show up and get better and show guys you are serious.”

Brown did say he understands that Bell must do what is best for his family and for him professionally. He’s also tried to motivate him by phone contact.

“We text, I tell him how his tape is not that good and that he needs to come play with me.”

This is not to say that Brown is irate at Bell or that he will be an issue with him or the team. The nine year vet said the Steelers running back is a competitor and that he’s going to take care of his body.

“It’s one of the things that makes LeVeon special, he takes this game serious,” the 6-time Pro Bowler added. “There is no question or doubt about his game. I know when he walks in the building and whenever he shows up, you know what you are going to get. You are going to get a guy that’s ready to take 400-500 carries, a guy who’s ready to run, catch the ball; a guy who can do it all.”

As for the loss of Martavis Bryant, Brown was also uncharacteristically opinionated about the trade sending him to the Raiders.

“It’s a business,” Brown said. “I’m never surprised by what goes on in a business. I learned to take care of my business and if you take care of your business, you will be here.”

Brown added that they lose guys every year, and have guys that step up. Brown also selflessly added, if the others don’t step up you can just throw him all of the passes.

Four times an All-Pro and twice the NFL receptions leader, Brown enters his ninth season saying he’s willing to help and support anyone on the team, including the new receiver, second round pick James Washington. Brown just asks that they work to become a proper Steeler.

“I think when they walk in the building, they understand it,” Brown said of what it is to be a Steelers player. “It’s hard-nosed. It’s physical. It’s a championship environment, championship culture with a bunch of big-time, first-class players in a blue-collar city.”